Anthony McGrath landed home yesterday from England's one-day tour of the West Indies and has been pitched straight into Yorkshire's side for their totesport League match against Somerset at Taunton on Sunday.

The Bradford-born batsman has had a frustrating and fruitless time in the Caribbean, where he did not play in a single international match, an identical situation to what happened during the winter when England were in Bangladesh and Zimbabwe.

McGrath sacrificed the Yorkshire captaincy in order to concentrate on his England career, but at the moment he just wants a taste of the action with his county side.

"Maggs is tearing his hair out to play and is desperate to get into the middle," said David Byas, Yorkshire's director of cricket.

"This is a very important match for us after losing our first two games and we need to field the strongest side possible."

McGrath comes in at the expense of Chris Taylor, who has made an impressive start to the season, and with Australian Ian Harvey back in the squad after his knee injury there is no room for Vic Craven.

Harvey, however, will only play if fit enough to bowl. "There is no point in picking him if he cannot bowl," said Byas.

It will be Darren Lehmann's last match for Yorkshire before he joins Australia for their tour of Zimbabwe and it will bring back memories of his last appearance at Taunton at the start of the 2002 season.

Yorkshire beat Somerset by one run after setting them 308 for victory. Lehmann and Matthew Wood both scored centuries, the first time two batsmen had reached three figures in the same innings. Their 170 stand for the fourth wicket was also a club record.

Paceman Steve Kirby is recovering following an injection on his injured back. He will bowl in the nets at Headingley on Monday and Tuesday. Facing up to him will be new Australian signing Phil Jaques.

Yorkshire (v Somerset) from: Wood, White, Lumb, Lehmann, McGrath, Harvey, Bresnan, Guy, Dawson, Silverwood, Hoggard, Blain.

Updated: 08:37 Saturday, May 08, 2004